HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Huntsville criminal defense attorney Patrick Tuten was arrested Tuesday on a domestic violence charge following an altercation over an apparent business dispute with his brother, who is his partner in their law firm.

Tuten, 43, serves as legal counsel for the Madison County Republican Party. He is a past president of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

The incident occurred at the Tuten law office on Eastside Square downtown.

He was arrested Tuesday afternoon on a misdemeanor charge of third-degree domestic violence and later released from the Madison County Jail, according to jail records.

Tuten's attorney Jake Watson issued a statement this evening.

"This is a family matter that should have been handled privately. Patrick Tuten loves and cherishes his family, including his brother, Robert. Patrick is absolutely innocent of any criminal conduct or criminal assault," Watson said. "Even so, he takes responsibility for his role in a disagreement with his brother and has taken steps to resolve the matter. He has strived personally and professionally to be a person of integrity and in fact is a person of the highest integrity.

"As much or more than anyone I know, he has worked tirelessly to be a positive role model for his family, his church and his community. He is highly respected in the legal community as a person who volunteers his time and energy to improve the profession.

"He deeply regrets that a family matter has found its way into the public spotlight."